Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the Confederation of African Athletics Combined Under-18/Under-20 Championships draw closer, coach Briad Nhubu feels they are in the right direction in their preparation.
The championships will run from July 16 to 20 in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
The National Athletics Association were previously looking at fielding just over 25 athletes but more athletes have entered for the meet and are now looking at over 40 athletes.
Some of the athletes to compete in Nigeria are part of Team Zimbabwe going for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games from July 4 to 13 in Namibia.
“In terms of preparation we are on the right track, particularly for those who are travelling to Nigeria because most of the athletes are the ones that will be representing Zimbabwe at the Region 5 Games in Namibia.”
The athletes are training with their individual coaches at their respective bases.
Of the 36 athletes expected to compete in Namibia, 21 of them are part of the team to represent the country at the continental meet in Nigeria.
“They are training from their bases because it’s school time.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have a camp for the whole group. But they are training, and the same athletes who are going to be participating in Namibia will also be participating in Nigeria.
“So, we think those who are on the Namibia trip have adequate preparation because I think the Namibia Games will be some kind of an opportunity for them to fine-tune themselves.
“Then we have some who are not travelling but they will also be training preparing for the Nigeria competition.
“The whole team (for the Region 5 Games) is 36 — 18 boys and 18 girls. But 21 of them will then join the Nigeria team.”
Besides the exposure and competition in Namibia, some of the athletes were part of the team that competed at the continental championships two years ago in Ndola, Zambia.
Nhubu believes the experience will also come in handy going for the upcoming meet.
“We really are a bit excited that we have experienced athletes with regard to the Africa Championships, considering that at the last edition in Ndola, we had Under-18s who are now Under-20s.
“Most of the athletes in the team participated in Ndola as Under-18 and they managed to get in the finals.
“And now that they are juniors, with that kind of experience, after Ndola, they have also represented Zimbabwe at various youth and junior competitions and we are banking on the experience they have now that yes, they can represent us well.
“Then at the same time we are also saying this Namibia trip will give us clues with regard to what we need to put in place as they go for the higher-level competition in Nigeria.
“But nevertheless, we wouldn’t want to rule out that Nigeria is a higher-level competition where we are going to be seeing the best of the best in Africa.
“And we will be facing most of the giants who are dominating even at the world arena,” added Nhubu.
However, the youth and junior teams coach is keeping his head high.
“But nevertheless, we wouldn’t want to also look down upon ourselves to say we don’t match them because of late we are also doing very well at the world stage. So, it’s a do or die.”
He is also confident with the Region 5 Games. “We still are quite optimistic that we will do well considering the selection that we have made,” said Nhubu.
The championships will also serve as a platform to prepare athletes for the African Youth Games in December.
Provisional Zimbabwe Team:
Takomborerwa Muza, Kimberly Kachambwa, Tinashe Run’anga, Tinotenda Kayereka, Dylane Chamakwara, Sharon Bare, Previous Munsaka, Tawananyasha Chakonda, Nenyasha Chihora, Margreth Munhungaupi, Terence Makate, Derick Matutu, Tatenda Chindowa, Agness Maputunura, Ivana Chiwashira, Tadiwanashe Mupini, Takudzwa Mbonyeke, Nataly Shoko, William Emmanuel, Tom Marumisa, Blessmore Sibanda, Shalom Sendi, Leeroy Chishaya, Arab Chimuchembere, Ropafadzo Mzondo, Ethan Hinds, Tanaka Marumbi, Anesu Nyahuma, Jackson Nyamazana, Ruvimbo Sibanda, Watipa Mandishona, Tawananyasha Chimunya, Cryson Kunorubwe, Anotidaishe Masere, Panashe Matenure, Answer Tasara, Elvis Hwata, Trevor Tauya, Nataley Doka, Takudzwa Mutizwa, Martha Chipuriro, Ruvimbo Vengesai, Nyasha Jamali, Beverly Mutasa, Mabambe Mudenda, Prosper Zimbango, Hayley Chingono, Tulange Mudenda, Bukhosi Mathuthu, Shelton Ncube, Methembe Tshuma.
